Job Description
Job Summary Central Washington University is recruiting an Interim Director of Bands to join our Music team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits. Who we are: We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students. Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A What we offer: Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator. The Role: The Central Washington University Department of Music invites applications for an Interim Director of Bands, an educator and ensemble leader who will contribute to the continued excellence and growth of a distinguished collegiate band program. This position involves conducting premier and secondary concert ensembles, teaching conducting, and mentoring graduate students. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong foundation in wind band traditions, a commitment to innovative and inclusive programming, and an awareness of contemporary developments in the field. We seek a dynamic and collaborative colleague who is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, student development, and a vibrant musical community across a range of experience levels. Minimum Qualifications Please address in your cover letter: Master's degree in Music K-12 teaching or university teaching experience Demonstrated knowledge of wind band repertoire and traditions Evidence of creative and thoughtful programming Awareness of current trends and developments in the wind band field Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications Please address in your cover letter: Doctorate in Music Education, Conducting Experience mentoring graduate conducting students Competencies Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules. Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action. Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support. Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives. Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive. Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for! Pay & Work Schedule